At Heroes Dental, we know that good nutrition and a beautiful healthy smile go hand in hand. This is exactly why we want you to know good versus the bad summertime snacking.
This summer, our team of dental care experts encourages you to treat yourself to healthy snacks that will not only benefit your overall health but your smile as well.
THE GOOD
So how can you be smart about picking healthy snacks? Recognizing the nutritional value of different choices can definitely help, so be choosy when it comes to summertime treats.
While sugary snacks can seem to be a quick fix for a busy summer afternoon, at Heroes Dental, we know they’re not the best choice for your oral health. Sugary snacks can cause the natural bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that erode enamel, so it’s best to avoid them.
Luckily, there are some awesome and healthy fruit choices that will please those of us with a sweet tooth while keeping our smiles dazzling.
WATERMELON. There are many amazing facts about watermelon and many of them relate to oral health. Watermelon, aside from being delicious, is loaded with fundamental nutrients like vitamin A, which promotes good vision and boosts the immune system. This scrumptious summertime fruit is also high in vitamin C, meaning you’ll stay hydrated, which is great during this summer heat. Because dehydration can cause our mouths to dry, which causes oral health issues, it is important to remain hydrated throughout the day so our saliva can balance the level of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Stay #hydrated with delicious #watermelon this #summer! #HeroesDental Click To TweetBERRIES. Berries have very high water content, which reduces the reaction of the sugars they contain and stimulates the balanced flow of saliva that helps prevent enamel decay. Aside from keeping you hydrated, berries also provide important antioxidants that help fight cancer. Stay hydrated during sunny beach days with a mix of chilled strawberries and blackberries.
YOGURT. We can all agree that the best way to eat yogurt is straight out of the refrigerator, which is great for these humid summer days. Aside from being packed with calcium, yogurt also contains vitamins and minerals that promote strong teeth. The best part is that because there are so many different flavors available, you can try new ones all summer long.
Alongside the previously mentioned treats, Heroes Dental also recommends these delicious snacks for the summer:
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Celery
- Oranges
- Cucumbers
- Melon
- Pineapple
THE BAD
Although hard to resist, Heroes Dental wants you to know that some of the most popular summer treats can actually cause your oral health to suffer. You don’t have to completely eliminate them from your diet, but it is best to only consume them in moderation.
We know that it’s easy to forget that some of the tastiest and most satisfying treats can actually be harmful to our bodies and our pearly whites, so make sure to not consume too much of the following:
SODA. Sodas and sports drinks are extremely high in sugar content, much of which is acidic and can easily cause tooth decay if consumed too often. This problem occurs with people of all ages, and when the acid byproducts begin to decay enamel, they can contribute to creating cavities. If teeth grinding and improper brushing techniques fall into the mix, tooth loss can also be a problem. If there aren’t many choices other than soda when you’re trying to stay hydrated this summer, we recommend that you drink from a straw so you avoid contact between your teeth and the sugary drink.
STICKY AND CHEWY SNACKS. Sticky snacks and treats can be terrible for your oral health as they commonly get stuck in the nooks and crevices of your teeth for hours. The problem with this is that the sticky substances that linger in your mouth actually turn into a supply for bacteria, which amps up acid products and leads to enamel decay.
PICKLES. The common problem with all of the previously mentioned snacks, including this one, is the unhealthy amount of acid they produce. When it comes to pickles, vinegar is the substance to blame, even though it’s what gives them their great taste. But vinegar is highly acidic, making pickles dangerous for your enamel. It may still be safe to add pickle slices to your burger, but remember that consuming them consistently is risky.
Try your best to avoid these summer snacks that can cause dental issues:
- Ice
- Sour candies
- Iced coffee
- Ice cream
- Popsicles
- Hard candy
Heroes Dental wants to remind you to keep your summer smile glistening by eating healthy and avoiding too many sugary snacks.
It’s important to know the good and the bad when it comes to summertime snacking.
Heroes Dental can help to keep your pearly whites as healthy as ever! All you have to do is give us a call today at any of our conveniently located offices all throughout the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas to schedule a routine clean-up.
Keep smiling big and bright all summer long!